Cheers for Monday, Dec. 10, 2012

To Brian Giorgis, who has decided that he likes coaching the women's basketball program at Marist College so much that he will sign a third contract extension, one that is likely to allow him to be on the bench there when he decides to retire. In an era when few successful coaches show any sense of loyalty, Giorgis provides a...

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Posted Dec. 10, 2012 at 2:00 AM

Posted Dec. 10, 2012 at 2:00 AM

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To Brian Giorgis, who has decided that he likes coaching the women's basketball program at Marist College so much that he will sign a third contract extension, one that is likely to allow him to be on the bench there when he decides to retire. In an era when few successful coaches show any sense of loyalty, Giorgis provides an example for others to follow. And his decision sends an important message to any good high school players considering Marist. They know that the coach they want to play for will be the coach they end up playing for.

To Heather Berg, who decided that working as treasurer for the Village of Monticello was not worth the abuse she received from elected officials. So far the village has had trouble finding and keeping a treasurer, village manager and police chief. The more the chaos continues, the more the people of the village suffer at the hands of those who were elected to solve problems, not create them.

To Lucy Mercado of New Windsor, who has kept up her efforts to help the troops even though support has dropped off. She got started when her son was on his second tour of duty in Iraq in 2004 and she helped collect donations to send. Eventually she expanded her efforts to many other platoons and she's still at it, although the contributions are not coming in as fast as they need to. For information on donations, check the website for the Support Our Heroes foundation at www.supportourheroes.net.

To some people in Blooming Grove who worked to give back to someone who has given a lot to the community. Those who stopped in at Yeon-suk Lim's deli admired the way she worked for those in need, donating food and volunteering her time to help when many were out of work and out of luck. When her luck ran out and the deli had to close, many in the community responded. They have found her a place to live and a new place to open once again for business in the new year.

To Joe Bertolozzi, who can't take his instrument with him but can still make music wherever he goes. Bertolozzi, a percussionist, made news and music by using mallets and hammers to bring out the sounds of the Mid-Hudson Bridge for what became a top-20 album on the Billboard Classical Crossover Music charts in 2009. Now, he's moving on to play the Eiffel Tower.

To Alana O'Neill for adding another honor in an amazing year. The Washingtonville High School junior, who helped lead her team to the state title, has been named a High School All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. As her coach noted, O'Neill was more than a great player. She played in any position where the team needed her on the way to a 20-0 record and state Class AA title. After another year in Washingtonville, she plans to take her talents to Syracuse University.